Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) proudly celebrated the graduation of the 2025-01 Citizen's Fire Academy class on Thursday evening at the department’s Fire Training Complex in Holly Springs.
After eleven weeks of intensive instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and immersive training sessions, this dedicated group of community members successfully completed the Citizen’s Fire Academy — a 33-hour program designed to offer an inside look at the many facets of fire service operations in Cherokee County.
Participants explored a broad range of topics including fire behavior, interior search and rescue, emergency scene simulations, fire station and apparatus familiarization, EMS operations, E-911 and Emergency Management Agency functions, community risk reduction, fire investigations, and public relations. Each graduate also had the opportunity to earn certifications in CPR, AED, and Stop the Bleed. Many enhanced their experience further by participating in a ride-along at one of our 27 fire stations throughout the county.
During Thursday’s ceremony, Fire Chief Robinson personally awarded each graduate a certificate of completion and a commemorative challenge coin in recognition of their commitment and achievement. Those graduating the program included Terry Adams, Harry Bolan, Aiden Burke, Lacia Canaday, Jonathan Crumbley, Nichole Drgan, Viktoriya Dubovis, Donna Escalada, Leanardo Espana, Keri Finley, Brooke Ford, Don Gizinski, Megan Goodrich, Logan Hollandsworth, Sydney Johnson, Aiden Krapf, Kathy Lambert, Rebecca Law, Bethany McWhirter, Henry Menozzi, Grant Plowman, Amanda Postelle, Kryss Roch, Emily Shaw, Stephanie Smith, Zachery Sowell, Connor Steer, Evan Thompson, Stephanie Villasenor, Nicole Whitworth, and Nicole's service dog, Dojo.
“The Citizen’s Fire Academy strengthens the bond between our department and the community we serve,” said Chief Robinson. “It helps foster understanding, respect, and a shared sense of responsibility for public safety.”
The Citizen’s Fire Academy is offered free of charge and is open to all Cherokee County residents. The program is led by dedicated fire personnel of all ranks and reflects the department’s mission: work aggressively to preserve life and property, promote public safety, and foster economic growth in Cherokee County.
Congratulations again to our 2025-01 graduates. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment help us build a safer, more informed community.
For more information about upcoming Citizen’s Fire Academy sessions, visit CherokeeCountyFire.com.